ObjectivesThe effect of basal fertilizer layered at different soil depths and in stripes with different proportion on the dry matter accumulation and yield of winter wheat was studied in this paper, in order to provide a theoretical basis for reasonable fertilizer application in topsoil.

MethodsA 2-year field study was carried out from 2014 to 2016. Five treatments were set up: no basal fertilizer (T1); basal fertilizer was applied in stripes in 8 cm depth (T2), 16 cm (T3) and 24 cm (T4); basal fertilizer was divided into three parts with the proportion of 1∶2∶3 and applied in stripes of 8, 16 and 24 cm depths of soil (T5). All the treatments were top-dressed with the same amount of nitrogen fertilizer in jointing stage. The growth and nutrient use efficiency in the key growing stages of wheat were investigated.

ResultsAmong treatments of T2, T3 and T4, the tiller and ear number of winter wheat were reduced with the increase of fertilization depth, but the grain number per spike was significantly increased; the dry matter assimilation after the anthesis and the allocation amount of dry matter in different organs at the maturity were improved; the grain yields were increased, although the redistribution of dry matter from vegetative organs to grain after the anthesis were restrained. Compared to T4, the grain number per spike and 1000-grain weight were not significantly increased in T5, while the tillers and the ear number were increased significantly; the amount of dry matter accumulation and grain yield were significantly increased as well.

ConclusionsLayered and in proportion basal fertilization could increase ear number, the grain number per spike and 1000-grain weight, which coordinates the relationship between the dry matter assimilation and the dry matter redistribution from vegetative organs to grains after the anthsis. Therefore, optimizing the distribution of nutrient in the whole root layer of soil could regulate nutrient supply at each growth stage of winter wheat, thus lead to high yield.